Toronto, ON – Last week HNHH premiered “Perfect Timing” as the second official single release by Toronto/Brampton supergroup EMP.

In case you’re not familiar, EMP is a trio consisting of vocalist Pree, rapper Milly Manson, and super-producer Eestbound. The trio’s sound is anchored by Eestbound’s signature production; glitches, distortion, drum swings, bass slides, and heavy kicks. You can’t even box these guys into a sub-genre at this point because their sound is so distinctly EMP.

The group has blown on to the scene as the face of the next generation of Toronto rap. Their first single “Rebellion” serves as the group’s mission statement.

They’re inciting a rebellion and giving a voice to all the youths in game who’ve (unfortunately) come up thinking that Drake and OVO are the only things that can ever be synonymous with Canadian urban music. That’s not that case at all. These guys are the face of what the new wave of music sounds like.

“Perfect Timing” is HipHopCanada’s Song of the Day. Check out the track below.

Brampton, ON – Fresh off the release of his monstrous Fyi EP, Brampton artist TOBi recently dropped his latest single titled “LiBRA” (produced by Nahum).

For the record, Libra is considered to be the most desired sign in the zodiac. Libras are generally loved by everyone ever.

“LiBRA” is a very vulnerable record for TOBi. He uses this track to give himself permission to be a soft, mushy romantic. He sticks to his soulful M.O., but takes things to the next level.

This song is one of the most beautiful, optimistic, cozy love songs I’ve heard in a long time. It radiates rays of sunshine and cute-sy barf-y love. This song is on some dancing by moonlight, growing old together tip: “You my right-hand/ But your left/ Add a ring to it/ Your first name, my last name/ Got a nice ring to it, don’t it?” Check out “LiBRA” below and feel some type of way.

Toronto, ON – We just received a new KinSmuv-produced banger from veteran Toronto rapper Tommy SPITZ. It rhetorically asks, “is you the dope head or the dope pusher? There’s only 2 options” – touching on the “Anxiety” that comes from both lifestyles. “Where the fuck did my summer go?”

The Chinkz Rrahh-assisted record is slated to appear on Spitzo’s Progression EP dropping sometime in 2017. We’ll have more details for you when they’re available but for now check out “Anxiety” below. #OneTwoooo

Ottawa, ON – Ottawa hip-hop fans will be happy to hear the news of DJ Ducats making a possible return to radio in the near future. The seasoned vet served the nation’s capital with “Straight Hip Hop, No Fluff!” for literally decades, holding down a prime spot on CKCU 93.1 FM’s Friday night schedule. Now it seems like he has a new show in the works, but that has yet to be officially confirmed and details haven’t been provided (despite sending over a detailed list of questions). Having known Ducats for years, I decided to call his bluff and see how he would respond to me making a post about my assumption. The “rumour” came in the form of a cryptic message I received along with a recent mix. I asked, “So does that mean you’ll start a new show soon?” To which he replied, “I’m just focusing on this new mix at the moment.” If nothing else, this is a push to see him get back on the air.

If he does, he could be bringing back his last gig – The Peaceful Journey, which was a staple in the Ottawa community for years – or starting something totally new. Either way, if you ever checked out The Journey, you’ll know his next venture we’ll be worth tuning in to.

In a Metro article published back in 2007, his show was described as a key support base for local talent and a go-to stop for Ottawa heads looking to discover the latest big records making the rounds: “Since it started in 1996 on CKCU 93.1 FM, the hip-hop show has been a staple for those interested in discovering the freshest tracks from local and international artists. Ducats, and his on-air crew including Arun, Ill Real and Val, pride themselves on giving Ottawa hip-hop lovers something a little different.”

In any event, this mix is incredibly dope and another reason why we need Ducats to return to the airwaves. Check it out after the jump link below.

Ottawa, ON – 17 year old Ottawa artist and friENDly collective member Sammy Keys recently released a new Abel Beats produced single titled “Let’s Talk” as his third official release.

“Let’s Talk” is a love song about all the scary emotions that go hand-in-hand with realizing you’ve caught feelings. The song was written this past summer when Sammy fell for a female unlike any other female he’d ever met. He linked up with Abel Beats on the production and delivered one of the most feel-good love jams I’ve heard in a minute.

For a guy who’s still in his youth, Sammy knows more about love than most grown ass adults. Check out “Let’s Talk” below, and scope our Q&A with Sammy after the jump.

Toronto, ON – Strong production, hook-laden, smooth harmonies; just some of the qualities that make the trap-soul EP Still Shanti one of the most intriguing new projects to be released in what is turning out to be a highly competitive and gem-laden fourth quarter.

Toronto up-and-comer Keffaleng is already making waves across the border – garnering the attention of ThisIs50, ITSBIZKIT, DJ Enuff, to name a few – and his new project is sure to give his homegrown fanbase a boost.

Powered by CVRE, with support from producers Nahum (“Our Year”) and Vinnyx (“D.K.M.B.”), the Still Shanti EP offers a rich sound which dedicates significant song space to letting the beat ride and really emphasizing the quality of the production. Mixing credits go to Seth Dyer and Kaz. Dyer also mastered the project.

If you’re unfamiliar with Keffa, Still Shanti serves as the perfect introduction to what the DPXND-artist is all about. You can check it out below or find it now on iTunes and Spotify.

Vancouver, BC – Following the release of his latest video “Never Much Love”ninetyfour sets a tone with his new single “Off That” produced by Jahmal Gittens. Dropped on Soundcloud last week, “Off That” is a fresh new joint that has been included on the re-release It’s Yours – available on Spotify now.

Stream the track on Soundcloud below or peep the entire album on Spotify here.

Toronto, ON – Toronto artist Harrison recently teamed up with Vancouver producer Mesa Luna to release a remix of the record “Vertigo” off the Checkpoint Titanium album (which dropped on Sept. 9 via Last Gang Records).

I actually got on to this album because of Harrison’s collaboration with Toronto rapper Clairmont The Second on “It’s Okay, I Promise”.

Harrison’s sound is a fusion between electronic, booty wave, house, hip-hop, and R&B. The original version of this particular track features Toronto vocalist a l l i e, and has a pop-bounce vibe to it. Mesa Luna’s remix is on much more of a chill-out atmospheric tip.

Listen to the Mesa Luna remix of “Vertigo” below, and check after the jump for our Q&A with Harrison.

The video for “No Choice” was directed by LK Visuals. The track is a raw street anthem for anyone who’s found themselves caught up in a certain lifestyle. We like to believe we have full control over our the direction of our lives, but sometimes there are things we don’t get to choose. Cassius came to Canada as a refugee. And as much as he knows he’s blessed on that front, he still worries about the present.

He’s got family and friends who didn’t make it over to Canada and that’s a burden that weighs heavy on him. Even though there’s a part of him that knows he should be going to school and planning for his future, he’s chosen to stay hustling. Because that’s what he’s got to do. Check the video for “No Choice” below and scope our Q&A with Cassius after the jump.